In choosing to start a non-medical in-home care small business, an assessment of what the business is and whether the requirements are a fit. If the potential business owner has already worked in the health care or in-home care business, this step is not necessary. However, if working with people in need is not desirable or if it’s viewed mainly as a great and growing business opportunity, other business ideas must be considered for success.
The client foundation for in-home care services are the vulnerable aging and/or disabled population. Browse the Internet, research and learn everything possible about the in-home care business. Work in the field, one on one with clients for a good period of time before deciding if the compassion will come from the top down. If not, the business will struggle without understanding that health care and other business entities have decidedly different characteristics.
In-home caregivers offer a service to aging and sometimes home bound clients. Responsibilities range from preparing meals and household chores to bathing and mobility assistance. Some clients may require end of life, (hospice) care. Compassion, selflessness, good problem solving skills, understanding the characteristics of mental, social and physical changes of aging, and a lot of common sense are just a few of the training requirements for employees.
Starting Requirements for Small Home Care Business
The first step to launching any small business is to research whether or not it is viable for a potential business owner’s circumstances. The Small Business Administration offers a free assessment test and classes to make the decision process flow easily.
The demographics of an area must be run to determine if there is a need for in-home caregivers in the target area. The local Small Business Administration or the U.S. Census Bureau can supply that information.
Consider the pros and cons of a franchise versus an independent business. If a franchise would be the best way to begin, there are many companies to choose from on the Internet.
Benefits of Franchising a Home Health Care Business
The parent company will offer on going training and consulting, which includes help with locating financing. Franchises have a reputation established and a track record which helps greatly with marketing. Brochures and business cards are available from the company, and no set up and development is required for marketing materials. Legal resource information is readily available.
Cons of the Franchise Option
The franchise owner must follow all guidelines of the parent company.
Establishing an Independent In-home Care Agency
- Make friends with the business bureaus and the Small Business Administration. Make use of free online business training classes.
- Develop marketing media, brochures and business cards.
- Find and hire a good business lawyer.
- Set up and develop training materials for employees in-service training.
Hiring the Right Employees
Advertise and hire a Client Care Coordinator with knowledge of the business and the health care field. All employees should know how to work with a diversified population in adverse situations. The owner and the coordinator should work together to market for caregivers with geriatric and/or disability experience. Both the owner and coordinator may have to take assignments in the beginning to fill the clientele need.
Marketing for Clients
Search the Internet for government agencies, such as the Area on Aging, Attend community events concerning aging and disability issues. Networking with non-profit agencies, learning about the community, and attending and participating in aging and disability events are crucial to getting referrals.
Invest in running ads in local senior sections of the media. Make sure that there is always a representative to answer phone messages. Seniors and families will sometimes hang up rather than leave information on answering machines or voice mail.
Search wanted ads. Sometimes families will advertise for caregivers in the classifieds. Spread the word at church and community events with business cards and brochures. Partner with the community, be a good listener, treat everyone with dignity, train and expect the best from employees, honor commitments and present the agency with ten star rating performances.
Click here for more on Small Business Employee Screening Tips
Clarice Cook - Sharing life experiences, education and professional expertise combined with extensive, thorough research of accredited resources.
